In 1966, two classics tied for first place at the Brazilian Popular Music Festival in São Paulo, and this week, MPB is receiving a special tribute at MASP

In 1966, “A Banda” by Chico Buarque and “Disparada” by Geraldo Vandré and Téo de Barros tied for first place at the Brazilian Popular Music Festival.

And this week, MPB receives a new tribute with Candlelight: The Best of MPB at MASP on Paulista Avenue. For one hour, a string quartet performs instrumental versions of songs that have spanned generations, celebrating the great names of Brazilian music.

The repertoire brings together some of the most beloved classics of MPB, such as Mas, Que Nada! by Jorge Ben, Garota de Ipanema by Tom Jobim, Oceano by Djavan, and “Como Nossos Pais,” immortalized in the voice of Elis Regina.

The Brazilian Popular Music Festival

The festival’s finale took place on October 10, 1966, at the Teatro Record Consolação, and went down in the history of Brazilian music. That night, two very different songs won over the audience and shared the top prize: “A Banda,” performed by Chico Buarque and Nara Leão, and “Disparada,” sung by Jair Rodrigues.

It was the second edition of the festival, held from September 27 to October 10, and the tie ended up becoming one of the most memorable moments in the history of song festivals.

And the setting also deserves attention. One of the building’s most striking features is its enormous open space—over 70 meters wide—which keeps the main block suspended above Paulista Avenue.

Founded in 1947 by Assis Chateaubriand, MASP is a private, nonprofit institution recognized as Brazil’s first modern museum. In 1968, the museum moved into the building designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi, which has become one of São Paulo’s most iconic landmarks. The architectural design received the Special Golden Lion at the 2021 Venice Biennale.

The songs are given new instrumental arrangements, performed by four musicians, in an experience that combines Brazilian music with the intimate atmosphere of Candlelight concerts.

• 📆 Next session on Friday, November 13, 2026.
• 📍Assis Chateaubriand Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), on Paulista Avenue.
• ⏰ 60 minutes; doors open 45 minutes prior.
• ℹ️ Age recommendation: ages 8 and up.
• 🎫 Starting at R$ 66.00 on the Fever website